The focus is on the development and practical application of leadership, risk assessment, decision-making, judgment, group management, and general seamanship. Participants will also continue to develop the skills covered in Paddle Canada Level-2 Skills, to a higher standard of proficiency.

Training and assessment are provided in this course.

Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 4

This is where all the other cool paddling stuff lives! Designed for experienced coastal paddlers, Level 4 provides a dynamic and rewarding group environment for paddlers to share skills and knowledge and add a few extra tools to their tool box.

We divide this course between the fast moving currents of Quadra Island and the surf swept beaches of the West Coast to take advantage of the diversity of paddling on Vancouver Island. Level 4 Skills pushes you to integrate all your paddling skills in dynamic and challenging waters. There are specific lessons, but we try to take advantage of conditions as they arise as well. There is a strong peer leadership component on this course.

One half is based out of the beautiful and convenient Discovery Island Lodge. Surge Narrows is a 15 minute paddle from the lodge. Each day will be divided between skills development and playing in the currents.

The other half of the course is spent camping out on the beautiful surf swept beaches of the West Coast. The A to B format provides logistical and route planning challenges; the exposed outside of Vancouver Island provides a higher level of exposure from weather, sea state, and terrain. Together, we have a great Level 4 playground.

Both training and assessment are provided in this course.

Surfing in Sea Kayaks

We designed this program with touring in mind. We start our program by learning how not to surf, and slowly build in the skills and knowledge to paddle with confidence in and around the surf zone.

Launching and landing a loaded sea kayak through the surf can be a real challenge. The ability to anticipate surf, read the surf zone, and control your kayak in the surf are essential skills for all open coastal paddlers. Its also a lot of fun! Surfing in Sea Kayaks is a blend of theory, skill, and experience. We progress step by step to maximize learning and minimize the risks.Topping it off, we run this course on the beautiful sand beaches of the Esowista Peninsula, just south of Tofino. The numerous beaches between Ucluelet and Tofino provide exceptional surfing conditions with all type of sea states and wind conditions. The surfing and learning experience is excellent at this location.

**Other advanced programs such as Advanced Surfing in Sea Kayaks and Advanced Currents also available. Please contact us for more details.

Dates & times:

Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 3

April 25 – 29, 2018 in Broken Group Islands (Pacific Rim National Park)

September 15 – 19, 2018 in Clayoquot Sound, Tofino

Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 4

April 14 – 20, 2018 on Quadra Island and West Coast

Surfing in Sea Kayaks in Ucluelet-Tofino

May 22 -23, 2018

June 30 – July 1, 2018 FULL

August 18 – 19, 2018

*Custom dates and programs also available. Please contact us to find out more or start a conversation on how we can help you achieve your paddling goals.

Cost:

Sea Kayaking Level 3 $750

Sea Kayaking Level 4 $1,199

Surfing in Sea Kayaks $299

Prerequisites:

All courses have specific prerequisites with previous kayaking experience is required. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.

Certification:

Paddle Canada Level 3 or 4 Sea Kayak Skills certification is included in those courses. More information on Paddle Canada can be found here.